After coming close to securing a point against Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham will look to improve their form and pick up some much-needed points when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage on Tuesday.
The Londoners are languishing at the wrong end of the table and a win could be imperative as they look to keep in touch with the teams just outside the relegation zone.
Fulham team news
Alfie Mawson remains in the sidelines while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will not feature against Brighton due to the lack of match fitness. Kamara, on the other hand, has been suspended by the club and will not feature.
Predicted Fulham lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Defence
Ranieri is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur in their last game. Therefore, the defensive trio of Tim Ream, Denis Odoi, and Maxime Le Marchand should retain their place at the heart of Fulham’s three-man backline.
Marchand has made more tackles than any other Fulham player this season, while Odoi has made the most number of clearances. The two will play a key role in keeping the Brighton attackers in check.
Sergio Rico will retain his place in between the sticks while Cyrus Christie and Joe Bryan might occupy the wingback positions.
Midfield
Shifting Calum Chambers to the holding midfield role has worked out quite well for Fulham and the former Southampton man is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup.
Chambers has more interceptions than any other Fulham player, and his brilliant intuition and tackling prowess could prove to be useful as the Cottagers look to get the better of Brighton in midfield.
Jean Michael Seri should start alongside Chambers, and he will be tasked with the responsibility of providing the creative essence in the final third as well as recycle possession for the Cottagers. The former Nice midfielder has amassed 45 key passes in just 23 games this season – more than any other player in the team.
Attack
Ryan Babel made quite an impact against Tottenham and the former Liverpool star will look to continue that momentum in the left-wing. Andre Schurrle is expected to retain his place on the opposite flank.
The two wide players will look to provide the necessary support to Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is currently the club’s leading goalscorer with eight strikes.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
